Movie star Vikram has given up hope of ever finding his soul mate when he meets PA Naina. When fate pushes the two of them together unexpectedly these two strong-willed individuals begin a steamy affair in a well-plotted story which absorbs the reader completely.

Tara Pammi writes a wonderful category romance, and this did not disappoint. This is a predictably great author for me in the Harlequin PResents line up.

What I loved about this novel was the duel POV. It’s really hard for me to get into romance novels that aren’t told in a duel POV. I’m so happy this story had one because I loved getting inside Naina and Vikram’s minds and seeing them interact and fall in love.

Naina is very intelligent, strong willed and independent, but part of me thought she was a little bit too “prejudiced” against Vikram than I thought she would be. She jumped to conclusions quickly and was pretty stubborn in her opinions sometimes. She almost came off a bit immature when I thought she’d be more mature & going toe-to-toe with Vikram. With that said, I still liked learning more about her and seeing her relationship develop with Vikram and with herself.

Vikram definitely had a “princely” air about him in that he was stand-offish and could be harsh sometimes, but a lot of his personality I think came from his past and his current drive to build up his parent’s company. He’s driven, but cares for his family. I don’t think he was expecting someone like Naina to come barreling into his life, but I felt like he was slightly more open to the relationship than Naina even though he had to end up making the bigger gesture at the end.

This romance was a quick read that dipped into the Bollywood world. I loved seeing that as a backdrop and how it played a role in both of the characters’ development and decisions. It was a nice little escape into a celebrity world in a different country and I loved every minute of it!

While I loved the backdrop, the conflict and eventually the romance, I did feel like this story wasn’t so much a Cinderella retelling as you’re led to believe. I also felt like I had a hard time connecting with the characters at different parts. It felt like the characters weren’t quite matched which made it harder to root for them. But still, I did root for them and I did enjoy seeing their journey and ending. I just felt like it was a bit of a struggle for me in some parts and I wished I connected with the characters more. Sometimes the romance just didn’t work for me. But that’s okay! Not every book or every scene is going to work for every reader. I still ended up finishing this in one setting and enjoying the small escape into this Bollywood romance world.

Overall, an enjoyable read with a great backdrop that allows you to escape for a few hours. Might not be a re-read, but still worth checking out!

He's Bollywood royalty and she's... not. What could be more fun than a modern Cinderella retelling set against India's Bollywood? I was eager to dive into this new series by a new to me author.

Vikram Raawal, A-List Bollywood actor and CEO of his family's film company is at the top of his game and yet, he's having an existential crisis because he felt he has lost his way and is lonely for a real relationship. A rejected marriage proposal from his fellow actress and best friend, a fight when his brother calls him cold, arrogant, and out of touch, and then a sizzling encounter with his grandmother's new personal assistant have him ripe and ready for a spicy flirty encounter with a disguised lady at a charity masquerade. But, when the ball's over and the masks come off will he be able to find his Cinderella?

Naina Menon's childhood actor crush walks into the room only to find her mimicking a scene that wasn't one of his finer moments. A fiery exchange of hostile, but truthful remarks leaves her knowing that Vikram was right about her hiding from life and no fit person to pass judgment on what she can't possibly understand. So, the night of her ex's engagement party, she let's Virat escort her to a charity masquerade ball so she can rub shoulders with India's dazzling best and have a bit of a thrill to show herself that she's ready to live a little. Then she encounters a softer and understanding side to Virat's annoying brother who is nothing like their first encounter. He is all she had dreamed of in a man and he thinks she's something of a dream. But, what will happen when the mask comes off and he's looking at ordinary Naina?

Claiming His Bollywood Cinderella is a light and quick-read romance against the glitz and glamour of the movie world. I wanted something not very challenging, but slightly spicy, light, and romantic with engaging characters. With those expectations, I was not disappointed. Vikram and Naina's romance had some conflict from the disparity of their circumstances, their equally strong personalities, and their own issues including Vikram's struggles within his family and trying to do what he thinks of as duty rather than what he wants, but the conflict wasn't searing and deep so it did feel like a fairytale romance with the issues mostly a matter of recognizing what was holding them back and wanting the romance enough to work at it. I confess that the romance felt a tad under-developed though I didn't mind since it was a shorter novel and I anticipated that.

I enjoyed the lavish and bright description of the urban Indian setting, family and circle of friends. There was a nice balance of warm family with glitz and glamour life all while giving me a good flavor of Indian culture which is a huge draw to this story. Vikram's Daadi (gran) was great and I can see that his brother, Virat, is going to need his own book. I was well aware what lay at the heart of the conflict when Vikram asked Zara to marry him and Virat chewed him out.

So, it was swoony, decadent, spicy and a lightly developed swift romance set in a gorgeous world. I can recommend it to contemporary romance fans who are looking for something in this fairytale retelling style.

Vikram is a Bollywood actor who has all but given up on love. Then he meets Naina. I love Cinderella and Cinderalla retellings and have seen many film versions of the timeless classic.

I chose this book as I find Indian culture fascinating and was curious as to how this take on a well-known story would work out.

I liked the main characters and especially Naina. I found she was open, enthusiastic and positive.

Tara Pammi writes a beaitifully romantic, realistic and original Cinderella story and Naina is the opposite of who Cinderella usually is. This is why I was so hooked on Claiming His Bollywood Cinderella.

For me, it was as if Tara Pammi had asked herself "what if....?". It was "what if I create a Cinderella people aren't expecting?". This is a writing technique I sometimes use and I love it. It surprises people and keeps tension going but in.a good way. I was just anticipating the twists and turns all the time and I enjoyed the book very much.

It is well-developed, romantic realistic and unforgettable.

4.5 stars.

I loved being transported to the Bollywood world. This was a fun a cinderella retelling. It had the right amount of steam and tension.

I will feature this book in an upcoming podcast/blog post episode on Harlequin titles.

Tara Pammi sweeps readers off to India with her sexy and scintillating new novel for Harlequin Presents, Claiming His Bollywood Cinderella.

Movie star Vikram Raawal is used to accolades and adoration not mockery, so he is not best pleased when he comes across his grandmother’s new personal assistant Naina ridiculing him and his latest film – much to his family’s mirth. Worse, Naina’s quips and barbed comments hit home because the action movie heart throb is sick to the back teeth of playing the macho hero who uses his fists and his weapons rather than his brains and his intellect. Although Vikram knows that he should rise above Naina’s petulant comments about his career, he cannot resist giving her a piece of his mind by criticizing her life choices – something which he instantly regrets when he realizes that his barbed words have hit his grandmother’s personal assistant rather too close to the bone…

Vikram might have women falling at his feet, but the movie star has long given up hope of finding his soul mate. The everlasting love affair that his beloved grandparents have shared for decades will not be something Vikram will ever experience and he has long stopped searching for the love of his life – until at a masquerade ball he meets a beautiful seductress who turns his entire world upside down. Vikram is determined to find out more about the woman whose intoxicating presence has bewitched him and he simply will not rest until he has one more night with her…

After he had torn several strips off her in public, Naina simply couldn’t believe that she ever had a crush on Vikram Raawal. He might be a movie star, but he is rude, condescending and so arrogant Naina would only be too happy if she never had to clap eyes on him ever again. But when fate pushes the two of them together in the most unexpected of ways, Naina and Vikram find themselves giving into their desires and succumbing to temptation. But with Vikram being one of Bollywood’s richest and most popular actors and Naina a humble personal assistant, is a future for the two of them even possible? Or is theirs a love that is simply not meant to be?

Claiming His Bollywood Cinderella is an intensely emotional tale that sizzles with searing sensuality, heart-pounding drama and red-hot romance. Tara Pammi brings the world of Bollywood to vivid and colorful life and will having readers falling in love with resilient and intelligent Naina and her deliciously brooding Alpha hero, Vikram.

A steamy, poignant and passionate contemporary romance, Tara Pammi’s Claiming His Bollywood Cinderella is an enjoyable and absorbing sizzler readers will not be able to resist.

While working for his grandmother (Daadi), Naina meets Vikram, a huge Bollywood star and she meets him in the most embarrassing manner...acting out one of his roles. This doesn’t bode over well. Still, Vikram is intrigued by his grandmother's younger assistant especially at a time when he is feeling...at his loneliest. After a masked one night stand and a sort of tremulous “work” trip in Maldives; Vikram and Naina realize that maybe they may need one another…

For the most part, I enjoyed this book. There was almost little to no drama between our couple however, Naina’s self depreciation talk really wore on my nerves….a whole lot. Like yeah, Vikram was a big Bollywood star and sure his family was film industry royalty but the way this woman talked down about herself throughout this read was exhausting. And I didn’t much appreciate the way the author kind of (not really) skimmed out of not letting her face her issues. Her mother and step-sister were absolutely using her, she for sure allowed people to take advantage of her and when Vikram challenged her on said issues, she harshly insulted him. As you can see, she got on my nerves early. And I could put this towards Naina being in her early twenties...young...but I won’t because I don’t feel like it, lols. She knew she was a walking door-mat, she just stubbornly refused to see it.

BUT I loved that Vikram was our grumpy hero and not grumpy in a disrespectful asshole way (because there is a difference…). The man was having a midlife crisis, he is tiredt of the celebrity lifestyle, he is tiredt of being responsible for his families wealth...the man was fucking lonely and he owned it. Grumpy men are becoming like my favs in romance and that might attribute to me being grumpy as well but...you know, to each its own. lols. I honestly would have preferred an older woman or a woman closer to his age or of his age but here we are…

Anyolways, Claiming His Bollywood Cinderella was an agreeable quick read. I enjoyed the mentions of Indian culture and the kind of low angst of its romance. If you're into fairy tales and all that, then this may be right up your alley.

Rating 3.5/5*

This story takes readers into the heart of Bollywood, complete with a family film dynasty, the leading man and an unexpected romance.

He is Vikram Raawal, a billionaire movie star who has been instrumental in saving the company his grandfather started and his parents' almost bankrupted. He's been focussed on his career and ensuring his grandmother and younger siblings are safe despite their parents. When he goes to visit his grandmother, he's shocked by the outspoken young lady there, acting out a scene he's less than proud of participating in. Naina Menon is shocked to meet her teen crush but her first impression of Vikram isn't exactly favourable. Still, a close encounter at a party proves memorable for them both. However, the differences in their circumstances make her feel unworthy, though the sparks fly between them. Is there any chance for them to have a Cinderella style romance?

This is a hot and spicy romance with a decidedly Indian twist and a heartwarming finale. It is a modern day fairy tale retelling and a quick, easy and enjoyable read packed with the appropriate glitz and glamour of the Bollywood elite. I liked that Naina is not your typical Cinderella as she is highly educated, feisty and resourceful. She is prepared to stand up for herself and lets others know what she thinks of their actions, even Vikram! I suspect this actually makes it a much better read!

My thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

Vikram Raawal is a Bollywood superstar. In his movies he has plenty of love interests, but in real life, he is focused on his career and his family dynasty. That is until he meets the new assistant who sparks his interest.

Naina Menon is a smart, beautiful woman who is now working for the Raawal family. She is loving her job until she meets the infamous Vikram and is not that impressed by the Bollywood heartthrob. That is until one night at a masquerade, which ensues in a brief encounter, her whole life turns upside down.

This was a sweet Cinderella type love story that just makes your heart melt. The characters were well written and the supporting characters in the story added to the plot. The only thing I found a little unbelievable is when Nikram does not recognize Naina at the masquerade, even when he hears her voice. Other than that, it was enjoyable and a fun story to read. Thank you so much to the author Tara Pammi, Harlequin Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. It was fabulous! All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.

When it comes to fairytale retellings, Cinderella is done pretty often, and I've read enough of them that an author has to really step up their game to impress me. Tara Pammi does put a pretty good spin on it. I really like that Naina isn't the typical Cinderella type of girl, and the chemistry between these two is good. The drawbacks for me lay in the development of the romance and in the conclusion. Basically, I would've liked a bit more on both counts. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the read. The characters are likable, and Pammi does write some great dialogue. All in all, Claiming His Bollywood Cinderella is a quick and entertaining read with engaging characters that make you want to root for them. Tara Pammi is new to me, but I'll be interested to see what she does next.

In the first book of her Born into Bollywood series, Claiming his Bollywood Cinderella, Tara Pammi has created a thoroughly entertaining story of the one of the biggest entertainment industries in the world.

This is a modern May-December romance, and it took courage on Pammi’s part to tell a contemporary romance between a young poor ingénue and a much older, much more experienced, much wealthier man without the story being one of overprotecting and rescuing the damsel-in-distress. Naina and Vikram are on par emotionally and their connection is on an emotional and intellectual level. They both feel understood by the other fundamentally, and Pammi shows that that is essentially what matters the most. The rest is just trappings of life.

Claiming his Bollywood Cinderella was my first foray into Bollywood via a book — who hasn’t seen a Bollywood movie? — and I can’t wait to read what Pammi has in store for her readers next.

Full Review: https://frolic.media/book-of-the-week-claiming-his-bollywood-cinderella-by-tara-pammi/

Naina is a poor girl trying to cover her late father's debts. Vickram is Bollywood royalty and has spent most of his life trying to save his family's film house from his father's debts. She is innocent, naive, and openly emotional; he is closed off, jaded, and cynical. Can opposites stay attracted in the long run? "Claiming His Bollywood Cinderella" is a quick read for those looking for an afternoon escape. The two main characters are complicated and spend the book pushing back and forth against each other, which gets a little tiring after awhile but is part of Naina's attraction for Vickram. She isn't just another person fawning over him, she says what she thinks- even if that isn't necessarily complimentary to him. She treats him as a regular person, not a big star and he finds he craves that. I wish we'd had more scenes of that- them being regular people and enjoying a friendship- but there's always a sense of tension between them. Vickram always feels he knows best and puts his foot in his mouth through most of the book. He'd have needed to work a lot harder than he does to get a second chance from me, but his big uncharacteristic scene works for Naina. I do wish other characters had been fleshed out and the story was more three dimensional, but it was still a fun, quick read for a relaxing afternoon.

I was so excited about a diverse romance, but this fell flat for me. Too rushed in the pacing and not enough development of the love plot. I couldn't figure out why they loved each other for more than their mutual attraction.

I loved this book. There were a few times the book felt. a bit rushed, but that's the nature of category romances. I will definitely be ordering this for my library system. I'm so glad to see more diverse authors and characters.

A very charming Cinderella story -- I loved the Bollywood setting, the family history and dynamics, and the glimpse into the creation of the film that Vikram has always wanted to make. Vikram is a touch too alpha for my taste, but I know I'm in the minority there. For me, the highlight of this book was spending time with the fabulous heroine, Naina, whose intelligence, compassion, self-respect, and forthright nature are a true delight.